Between now and the end of August, TGS will offer up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2016 regular season. Today, the Green Bay Packers.
2015 in a nutshell: The offense isn’t quite right without Jordy Nelson, and they fail to win the NFC North despite starting 6-0. They lose a heartbreaker to the Arizona Cardinals in the divisional playoffs, failing to make the Super Bowl despite being in the playoffs for the fifth straight year.
Why 2016 could be different: Nelson should be back, although he’s been dealing with a knew knee injury.
Major additions: Nelson if he can get and remain healthy, as well as first-round rookie defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
Major losses: Veteran defensive tackle B.J. Raji, who started 15 games last season, retired at the age of 29. They also lost cornerback Casey Hayward in free agency.
Breakout watch: They’re expecting big things from top 2015 picks Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins, both of whom are expected to play major roles in the secondary in support of Sam Shields, Morgan Burnett and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.
Position to watch: Wide receiver, naturally. Can Nelson bounce back? Can Davante Adams get back on track? What about Randall Cobb? And will Jeff Janis bust out? So many question marks surrounding the guys Aaron Rodgers will be throwing to. At least they added veteran Jared Cook to complement Richard Rodgers at tight end.
Prediction: This is still a well-balanced team that has Super Bowl experience and the highest-rated passer in NFL history. I think they get some better luck with injuries, reclaim the division and make a Super Bowl run.
